VP Birtukan weighs in on NEB’s decision

January 22nd, 2008 | EthioPolitics.com |

By Kirubel Tadesse
Capital

After the National Electoral Board (NEB) decided in favor of Ayele Chamiso and awarded the party’s name, ‘CUDP’ to his group, Birtukan’s group, which is forming a union with parliamentarians led by Temesgen Zewdie (MP), is considering forming a new party and obtaining a new name, Birtukan Mediksa told Capital.

“We are discussing the option of forming a new political party so that we can obtain legal status. It is one possibility but the door to further struggle to obtain our party’s name is not a dead option yet,” said Birtukan, “whatever we decide, one thing remains, we will keep the program and policies of the CUD.”

Earlier this week, Engineer Hailu Shawl’s appointed acting President, Abayneh Berhanu, announced plans to sue NEB and to call a general assembly. Abayneh also disclosed that more than forty elected people are facilitating the general assembly expected to be called soon.

Birtukan told Capital that it is only the executive committee which can call the general assembly. “No individual can call a general assembly; whether he is a chairman or a member. Even if it is unlikely we will be called to attend the so called general assembly, we will not accept and see it as a general assembly since it did not emanate from the right source.”

After losing the struggle to secure the CUDP name in appeals made to the court and NEB, parliamentarians led by Temesgen Zewdie (MP) are planning to make their participation in parliament as a parliamentary group, sources told Capital.

The victory sign which was used by the CUDP for the May 2005 election is now the sign of Lidetu Ayalew’s EUDP-Medhin party. Temesgen issued a strong opposition protesting the decision saying that it is unjust. “First they gave our sign which is found on our stamp to another party, now they gave the party to those who do not represent the coalition,” Temesgen stated.

Engineer Hailu Shawl is expected to arrive in Addis Ababa in the coming few days and it is reported that he is in good health. Sources explain that even if Engineer Hailu calls a general assembly, its legitimacy will be seriously questioned as Birtukan, second in command of the former coalition, and other executive committee members who support her, denounce the general assembly.

Attempts to bring together Engineer Hailu and Birtukan’s group, which was earlier led by Dr. Berhanu Nega, to discuss and resolve their differences have failed and according to Birtukan, reconciliation is unlikely.


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  1. 49 Responses to “VP Birtukan weighs in on NEB’s decision”

  2. By Malu on Jan 22, 2008 | Reply

    they are done. Ash to ash dust to dust. Berehanu Nega betrayed them for a better life. Bertukan is slow minded woman

  3. By selam on Jan 22, 2008 | Reply

    Hey malu, U did see what is within the minds of these dulls, before many of the followers (they are not supporters, ‘coz they dont understand what these freeky people intend to do). We need peace not chaos and we want to support those people who are trying to feed themselves twice a day. I am sure we will do it, irrispective of these Unneccessary so called “leaders”.

  4. By Tilahun on Jan 22, 2008 | Reply

    selam and malu how much is woyane paying these daays?

  5. By Shemsu on Jan 22, 2008 | Reply

    Go Birtukan Go
    Forget about the name….
    The important thing is the motto of your discipline and idea of Kinijit

    Go please .. stop fighting an unessassary fight

    Bless you God

    The people shall prevail with freedom

  6. By muluken on Jan 22, 2008 | Reply

    i belive truth will win ,its really shame to separet the sign and the name to two parties .so, how could we say their is ademocratic progress in ethiopia .i think today wayane are paying due attention not to let the happening of 2005.but the sprit of CUD is in the peoples heart, we choose CUD neither by its sign nor by its name rather by its policy and the true CUD policy is the hands of Bs( bertukan and berhanu).

  7. By Fasil on Jan 22, 2008 | Reply

    Beret as we always calling you go for having a legal status even with new name. EPTDF has tried its best to stop the spirit of CUD.

    Fasil

  8. By Teshager on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    This clearly shows that there is no justice and democracy in our country at all. The good news is that we will become more aware about the injustice of TPLF that strengthens us more. We fight untill we will free from such slavery!

  9. By Tegegen on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    Go Go Go and Go forword we will follow you that is yhe promise we make.

  10. By mamokacha on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    Where is CUD office lead by Birtukan in Addis.
    any one knows please…

  11. By Robele Ababya on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    Icon Bertukan,
    You may please count on my 100% support as long as You embrace the undying spirit of Kinijit. The message of Your Letter from the Qualiti is in the hearts and minds of all true Ethiopians.

  12. By keba on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    My coment is about name of CUDP what is a problem new name will be COLLIUTION FOR UNITY AND LABURAL DEMOCRACY PARTY

  13. By selam on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    For me everything is a joke as far as they didnt stop joking. I dont consider any of these many subgroups of “the late CUD” to be advocates for ethiopian people. Birhanu is in US for his sake, Birtukan is striving to get on top for her sake, Hailu shawel is doing the same to stay on power. Simply they didnt show respect among each other and for the struggle for which hundreds have died. Plz somebody, help me understand how any of these people and their followers can be seen as ones who stand for democracy and UNITY in ethiopia. Unless they stop showing their greed to power and start working for the society, I will not consider them as someone different from the present EPRDF officials. I have been one of their supporters but before they start showing their real interest. But even then i didnt blame anyone who supports EPRDF unlike many followers of late CUD. Anyways I know ethiopia and ethiopians don not need any of those afore mentioned greedies, for their liberty.

  14. By Gossaye on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    No problem! It is the policy and the direction that matters not the name!!! Keep it up Birtukan!!!!!!

    This is done by Meles, neither Chamiso nor Lidetu is doing this. They are ordered and accepted to fill their ladder!!!

    Melese is like Mengistu? Can any body explain to me the difference between Melese and Mingestu?

  15. By moje on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    What you see from this is that weyane is thinking that if they give the name and “V” sign to ledetu and Ayele the spirit of the people will vanish, poor sycology.The spirit of KINIJIT is in the mind and heart of the people .To Love To Respect To abide by the Law To Exersise A Civilized Poletics.
    Birtukan and the rest on her side will be sucsesfull and I will share her dream

  16. By Ali on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    Dear the afromentioned writers such as gossaye,selam and moje you are always shouting like your kinijit leaders.But we have not seen when you did any tastful works even for yourselves.Because you are like empty tin which shouts when it is touched.But still you did nothing and you do not walk even one inch from your past simple dreams.EPRDF needs a strong oppositon party which is lead by a strong and reasonable person like the most brilliant and dedicated political leader Lidetu.You are alawys blaming woyane and Melese.But the thing you have to know is that he is one of the most important leader in the world and among the leaders in Africa who tries to build peace,democracy and strong and sustainable economic development for his countary.He do not change his idea from day to day like you and your CUD leaders.So do not always blame lidetu and EPRDF because of your weakness.Please do not repeat your rabbish statements like “have you been paid by woyane?”.Anybody have a right to support his favorit party.Do not nagge EPRDF and the little but briiliant Lidetu.Long live Lidetu and Melese.

  17. By elias on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    yes we are witnessing the true struggle for democracy the Bs(birtukan & birhanu)and at the same time the character of dictator (meles)-to curb democracy & justice diretly or indirectly.

  18. By Beklele on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    political drama, the situation at home is something one can not even dream while sleeping. Are the guys at NEB nuts? Don’t they have the slightest consiousness? Kinijit will remain Kinijit in the hearts and minds of many Ethiopians. Lidetu gets the V sign and Chamiso the name, what left for Hailu and Birtukan and for other true Kinijits is the Legacy that can not be fabricated as it is done here by TPLF NEB

    Long live Kinjit !

  19. By elias on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    could any body help me how to read the forbiden sites (ethiomedia,ethioreview) plz help help help

  20. By kakush on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    I have the followinf views:

    1)On the basis on NEB decision ,though deliberate, there is no choice now.In my opinoun the need to change the name should have even been given priority as EPRDF was aware of the fact.Even now NEB may not even accept at all new party formed by this heroes.U will see this soon.
    2)I feel sorry when I see comments on Dr.Birhanu’s short stay to USA. I think we should consider him only as true CUD member like the others.Just avoide putting him above the party,which for sure he doesn’t like to hear at all.Also don’t underestimate the potential and leadership qualities of the others big figures like Birtukan,Dr.Hailu,Eng.Shiferaw,Dr.Yakob,Ato Muluneh,Ato temesgen ,Ato mohammed etc.CUD is not only Birhane.If you think that way I don’t see any difference from those group that put Hailu Shawel as the only leader(no leadership quiality,dectator ect)
    3. Like any academia he has the moral right to do research anywhere.Politics is not only full time job.He should do his business or research whatever,be it in USA or Ethiopia. How many of u know that other leaders are also working on part time bases.Do u mean that a professor in AAD,which may be CUD leader stop doing his job .No at all.I am sure that Dr. Birjanu will be back soon.The good thing is that he is also doing great job on the direction of CUD being attending conferences in parallel to his research.Well done Dr. Birhanu.
    4.It is known that Temesgen group had truely struggled to keep CUD’s name alive.But now thing have changed.They should therefore look something new along with the true leder of CUD.
    5. Hailu Shawel shoul retire.Birhanu should retire too.Taye stop killing the ethiopian peolple jusst only for power(Hailu is going to die).Shame on you.Tigist-stop politics.You know nothing really.But I respect your pain as CUD memebr when u were in a jail.Bedru-stop gossiping.No one trust u at all after we heard that the OROMO people will not accept Dr Birhanu even if he is elected democratically.You are in the TPLF spriti interms of Ethinicity.In fact u already denied that u were not CUD memebr.I tell u Hailu will throw u soon-at least he has different view in ethinicity.He uses u for short period of time

  21. By ETHIO ROCK on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    berutee (shentam hulu) they dont have respect some one do somehing . this is our way not going foward (megotet) we have love and respect for you bertkan keep going you got (kuret ethi ppl) not for short period of time may god bless you

  22. By kundi on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    EPRDF is trying to kill all systematically so that they all have to start all over again. By calling the Chamisos kinijit do you think people will take that? NO. They know Chamiso is in bed with EPRDF. With that Chamiso party will become a spit. The V sign to Lidetu. It is a joke. I think he is fooled that he can use V or it is deliberate. Lidetu has lost the people’s trust and he is not going to use that sign. Nobody will buy that Lidetu is for V. Then Lidetu is killed dead along with V.
    What is left is the immortal “spirit” of KINIJIT. That what makes the big difference not the name or symbol. The policy is what counts. They have to come up with good comprehensive policy for the “new” party and move forward. Build it on a solid ground from the start. Maintain strong leadership and visionaries. That is the way for Ethiopia. Stop bickering over spilled milk and EPRDF is wokring towards the 2010 election and the National Coalition of Unity Party NCUP (the name I propose) and raise your feast (instead of V sign). Once you decide on the signs, tell people that those former names have been stolen by EPRDF and ask to embrase the “Spirit of KINIJIT” and move forward with the new sign. Start work on the diplomatic front and expose EPRDF that the name CUDP was snatched by them. We all what we mean when we say KINIJIT outside of Ethiopia.

  23. By mandanti on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    These days the name Kinijit is even associated with people like Shawel and Chamiso kind of nasty parasites. For me these people are sub-humans. They have infested the name Kinijit so much that it can not even be used again. They managed to damage the name Kinijit in such a short period of time more than Woyane could ever do with all their tricks and time they had at their disposal.
    Whether some one has this or that name, as long as the character is the same what is the issue with a name. Some body with a name Tesfahun, could be a total hopeless person in Character. So clean up the dirt and form a genuine, disciplined, democratic, modern, strong and unifying people’s political organization galvanized through strong characters and high moral and integrity. Leaders mater in any type of organization. Therefore identify selfless, committed, politically matured and charismatic leaders to this organization.
    I think Ethiopia is full of those kinds of “giants”. Unfortunately they do not come out in public so often. Let us mobilize that power in our societies and we shall win

    Long live liberty, fraternity and equality

  24. By yehwalashet on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    Bravo Birtukan
    This is a one step forward.Leave these logo and party name things for Lidetu and chamiso.They have noyhing to do except getting public attention raising such kinds of issues.You should learn from Dr.Merara how he succeed in kiking Tolossa out of Woyanne’s party name game.

  25. By Anonymous on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    ali woyanew meles kithn yibdaw

  26. By Belaye Zeleke on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    To All Ethiopians Minus TPLF Cadres

    Despite all the attempts by TPLF NEB to kill CUD. We must understand that either the name change or handing the victory sign to Ledetu Kedetu will not and destroy the inner desire of Ethiopians for transparent Democracy.

    If Woyane doesnt allow soon to be formed newly party by Bertukan’s group, we Ethiopians have a single obtion i.e. Armed Strugel with Woyane Mafia man to man.However, God does miracles and things may change for the best

    Keep your eyes on real problem-TPLF Mafia

  27. By mulugojam fr west Gojam on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    I am supporter of recommended new name collusion for unity and labural democracy that will make value less the EPRDF soldure Ledetu and Ayele .EPRDF prepare X-mass gift for Ledetu and Ayele for there effective and efficient operation of the mission that assigned .I will not to say the name is value less but the major thing is the heart and mind of Ethiopian people . I will to say V/P Burtukan Go! Go! Go! By attracting and participating all family of CUDP members except EPRDF messangers ( sashuleh ayele ledetu ….)with lovely poletices and I support your intervewe with “ embelta news letter” about Dr Berhanu he has to come to Ethiopia at lest for week or two weeks and support the centeral officers of CUDP movement b/c now CUDP in time of era.

  28. By ayle on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    Truth will never be died whaever being hidd, and seemse like diead. Brovo! Birtukan keep up with the good work that you have been doing it. we are prode of Kinjit and we will win,notiing can stop up becasue we hold truth.
    Hailu can go hell.

  29. By TG on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    That is the way it should be!! Politics, particularly African politics should be played accordingly. There is no need to stick to a plan of action that has been considered by the ruthless regime/EPRDF as a major enemy and attacked severely by its terrible machine including the military. There is no an independent court to which we could appeal and get justice done. Therefore, it is a wise decision to find out and come up with other alternatives such as taken by the true leaders of the people without affecting the very objective democracy and the rule of law.

    GREAT JOB!! GREAT MIND!!

  30. By Tesfu on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    the new mame should be: timret le andnet na le democracy/ CUD, coz, ethiopians dont care about english version

  31. By Addis on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    NEB(National Election Board) is EPRDF/Woyane. What exactly do we expect from Woyane’s NEB? Kinijit doesn’t belong to NEB/Woyane but to the kinijit members and supporters - that is the fact.

  32. By Assefa Jarra on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    Dear CUDP members, we strongly advise you, First clean your house. Learn from the past, (what have been going in USA). The whole world is watching you. Clean your house, clean your house.

    We are tired of you, you dealing with your mess so much late. To get support and lead, CLEAN YOUR MESS. You are nobody without support the support of the mass.

  33. By Ali on Jan 24, 2008 | Reply

    Ali…..
    Yeraya lege…….ante kesedebehe Berekete meselekegne…

  34. By Ali on Jan 24, 2008 | Reply

    Dear Belay Zeleke when I read your reply I was loughing at least for an hour until my friends consider me as a foolish.It is surprising and attractive.To tell you the truth you have no heart to conduct armed struggle.If you do you will be a captive within an hour.We will not kill but simpliy we will capture you.I am sure you will face the chance of ONLF OLF AND ARBEGNOCH GENBAR and wii be captive without shooting a single bullet from your firearms.So do not do your armed struggle on paper do it on the ground and let us meet tomorrow and do not keep miracle come and do it today.chaw.

  35. By Jemal on Jan 24, 2008 | Reply

    Ali ……..
    is that what u do in the government office.Sending reply for anybody who is against the TPLF….ur kings.That’s what u r payed to do.
    Do something that make sense 4 god sake!!!!!!!
    Ur name is everywhere in this page,try to controlur emotions.Lazy MF.

  36. By Unity on Jan 24, 2008 | Reply

    To Some points I do agree with Ali, sometimes I have been confused about CUD leaders, I was thought they are fighting for UNITY but there is no UNITY among them, How do they bring unity if they are not, I would advise for the leaders to get see themselves before starting blame anybody, I was a huge fan of CUD during 2005 election and even late but I am getting crazy cos of the current CUD leadership crises. I have no words to experess the situation right now what is going on out there, but I can only say God bless Ethiopia for ever and ever, pls let’s do our HOMEWORK to save our country.

  37. By Dinka on Jan 24, 2008 | Reply

    Ali watch out!Casius clay changed his name to Mohammed Ali to join Malcom X for the empowerment Blacks in America,your took the name to confuse the Moslem relgion with Arabasation.Stay African(Ethiopian)your narrow minded leader called Meles will lead to a dead end you will lose your AFrican heritage to be a servant of you know who!!!!.Down with Melles and up with Democratic Ethiopians worlwide namely ‘Kinijit”

  38. By Abenezer on Jan 25, 2008 | Reply

    what is all about????!!!!!

  39. By amare on Jan 25, 2008 | Reply

    Dear CUD suporter BIRTUKAN / BERHANU I feel for you we ethiopian living in gonder gojam wooll tigray still believe our leader is the most respectfull enginer hailu. piease go to school and work for parking.

  40. By Anonymous on Jan 25, 2008 | Reply

    Dear CUD suporter BIRTUKAN / BERHANU I feel for you we ethiopian living in gonder gojam wooll tigray still believe our leader is the most respectfull enginer hailu. piease go to school and work for parking.

  41. By Cloud9 on Jan 25, 2008 | Reply

    Many articles and poilitical figures were/are preaching that TPLF is different from the the people of Tigray. Sure it should be. But why even some of the leaders of ‘KINJIT’ in/directly acuse and undermine the ‘people of Amhara’ as feudal? Eng. Hailu or others can come from some place that you call Amhara land. You can say many thing on the basis of individual basis having your evidence to get some politicl advantage… if you dare to do so.

    It should be remined that one should not undermine our peace loving families using these ” negadie” websites as feudal or “neftegna” etc using ethiopian language.

    Read it and refelect on it if you understand the message.

  42. By ethiophil on Jan 26, 2008 | Reply

    When will the majority of Ethiopian Diaspora going to realize this opposition in the US is only a side show at a circus. You have to give credit to Birtukan and the opposition MPs. trying to do the hard work in Ethiopia under a very tough condition. The nutty professor Al Mariam, hide and seek Berhanu, wanna be autocratic dictator Ato Shawel, or Ato Andargachew wanting to run the opposition with a remote control from the belly of the beast, are all the same. Their unity was based on hatred of Meles and EPDRF and not seeking to solve the fundamental structural problems of food insecurity, diseases and standard of living of the most majority of Ethiopians. Just imagine if the same group of people had taken over the government by the so called Orange or what ever revolution. Their greed for power and inflexible posturing and political naïve temperament would have been a disaster for Ethiopia. It’s no accident that this same people have allied themselves with the dictator of Asmara and also indirectly to the enemies of Ethiopia, while the government of Ethiopia, with it’s own problem, is creating the framework for a lasting change for the betterment of all Ethiopians and their economy and even meet the the UN Millennium Development Goals. That would be an incredible achivement indeed. Let’s remember that the most important issue should be to produce sufficient food all the people, heal their wound, restore their hope and build a sustainable economy for generation to come. “Keep hope alive” said the Rev., and “keep your eyes on the prize” said another.

  43. By Tamiru on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    I love the new move by birtukan.Kinigit is movement not only a name as long as Her party is commited to the ideas of the movement it will be sucessful.

  44. By addis on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    Dr.Brehanu ,Birtukan is asking for you to return back ASAP. where and why are you hiding from the struggle? GO back you looser banda woyane mole.

  45. By EwnetEthio on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    Mengistu is a Nationalist who Loves Ethiopia and Poor Ethiopians…meLegesse is chief of bandas, a tribalist, ethno-centric madman who tries to practice the wildest nightmare of disentegrating Ethiopia with vengence and so much hatred to Ethiopians and everything that symbolizes its unity and development. That is why having ato run a country that is number one in water resources, cattle, arable land etc in africa is starving up to a third of its citizens every year and with a cooked book growth rate of eleven percent can’t even get out a hundred people out of poverty line (as income percapita keeps on dwindling and inflation is skyrocketing) need I say more except to pray his days to be shortened and his remenants to be cursed!

  46. By EwnetEthio on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    ‘All of yo’CUD punchers and tplf symphatizers’ let me sa’ this to you … Ethiopian people are no fools! The people who elected the CUD (Over ninty percent of Ethiopians still live in Ethiopia do not change their minds ..do not leave the country and or die…The idea odf tplf and meles askabaches to disentigrate our country not just failed IT DIED IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF ETHIOPIANS…AND AFTER YOUR IDEA DIES IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY TO MEDDLE IN OUR COUNTRY’S BUISNESS YOUR WOLF NATURE CAN BE DITACTED BY ANY ETHIOPIAN…so stop trying to fool yourselves by thinking that meddling in our Nations buisness would fool anyone.. Sin can be forgiven after one confesses it and becomes righteous by changing his ways ..so do not try to hid behind thinking that it’d be ok…IT NEVER WAS AND IT NEVER WILL BE…BUT USE YOUR CHANCES BEFORE THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT COMES !!!

  47. By Ephrem on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    I dunno why, the CUD supporters like shouting and insulting alot. Can’t argue in modest, civilized, rational way. To begin with I used to support CUD but later on I realized, it is not a genuine opposition party and it doesn’t struggle based on facts and the leaders don’t have big vision for the country. They only look for shortcut and short time advantage.
    I hope Britukan will learn from her mistake.
    But these days I am supporter of Lidetu.
    He is a man with a vision.

  48. By selam on Jan 29, 2008 | Reply

    We, finally, are able to see where she is heading to. She wrote a letter to the ruling party saying she will work with them, in her terms : “lanifata tegabtenal”. Shame on her.

  49. By kibebw on Mar 5, 2008 | Reply

    How come some can not weigh their words?How can those who have been having a good time condame those who have suffered and been in the hands of the vaultures. How can they adress those who sacrificed their freedom for the people banda and what nots?How can one measure sombody as Ethiopian and none Ethiopian? Who is who to value the legitimacy of nationalism to the other?Hpow can one disgrace the one who really fought the Bandas?
    Gentle men the way to win the battle is not by branding one another and at the same time saying and shoouting Democracy while serving another pupose.If one calls Birtukan Banda then that person is for real the enemy of the people.If one calls Birhanu a Banda then that man is out to betray Ethiopia and Ethiopians as he is serving the moto of Woyane.Let alone those who suffered for almost 2 yrs in woyane prison none except the eprdf and its supporters should be called Bandas.Let us not do the woyane homework by following what they design for us.Lets learn from our mistake and start respecting those who paid thier dues on our behalf.
    God save Ethiopia and Ethiopians from the Mercinaries by knowing or not knowing.

  50. By wdebrlx@mail.com on Mar 10, 2008 | Reply

    fyxgi mwqikxtc lzhoksf kglxor qtwhl mftcokz eguwxqzth

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